Sadhana and change
[2nd President and Spiritual Head: the Ramakrishna Centre of South Africa]
[now a Centre of the international Ramakrishna Math and Ramakrishna Mission]
DAILY READINGS
Selected from Mother Radha's recordings of Swamiji.
Day 835
Swamiji speaking at the end of a Yoga Camp
I feel very happy that you have completed the resolution that you made – to complete this sadhana [spiritual practice]. You yourself know what love you have felt – and what suffering [physical discomfort at the camp] you have felt to be in the hallowed presence of Sri Ramakrishna.
Each one of us has tried their best to advance their knowledge – in love – and above all in self-discipline. Gurudev [Swamiji's beloved Guru, Sri Swami Nischalananda Puri] started these Camps [spiritual retreats] some time ago so that we may be able to meet together, to help each other think about God and, at the same time, learn about the scriptures and thus instil in us the ethics and the morals of the scriptures.
We know that we cannot do very much but nevertheless, if we can take a little bit of it and make it part of our lives – lives that we live every day – I am sure that by the end of the year or even the end of the month you will have a calmer mind – a mind that will be full of compassion and love – a mind that will be selfless.
We have left out our viciousness in many ways, but having come to this sadhana Camp, if we go back to our old habits then something is definitely wrong with our approach to life – with our approach to sadhana. By coming here nobody becomes big, nobody becomes small, but I am sure one becomes purer each time.
To the people who have come I say to you, It was a privilege and an opportunity given by your own Chosen Ideals [Ishta Devas]. On our side we feel very happy that we have had your company – the company of satsangis [those who attend spiritual service or who are on a spiritual journey].
Gurudev used to tell us: If nothing else, in the days of our difficulties it'll remind us that, 'Oh, I was one of those privileged ones that sat and heard the glories of God. I was one of those privileged ones who was able to get strength from my brothers and sisters that are travelling on the same path of dharma [righteousness].'
1) Care should be taken by the reader to understand and take Swamiji's words in these postings, in context. Every teaching or instruction that he gave was specific to the people who were with Swamiji at the time.
2) Mouse-over the words highlighted in red in the posting for further explanation or links.
There are currently available, over 100 different CDs or DVDs with mp3 files, of Swamiji speaking. Please email timhoare@webmail.co.za to order.
Click HERE for the second website on Swamiji's life and teachings.
For more about the Holy Trinity, and also the founding Swamis of the Ramakrishna Centre of South Africa, please mouse over their names below:
Sri Ramakrishna Sri Sarada Devi Swami Vivekananda
Swami Nischalananda Swami Shivapadananda
The Gospel of Sri Ramakrishna - read online
Reference websites – please mouse over the name and click to connect:
Ramakrishna Math and Mission Ramakrishna Centre of South Africa Ramakrishna Dham